Blink to control your iPod

(Credit: Kazuhiro Taniguchi)

Think it's rude to make faces at people? Well, you better start rethinking that stereotype if you intend to use the Mimi Switch.

Forget fingers. Created by Osaka University researcher Kazuhiro Taniguchi, the Mimi Switch (aka Ear Switch) is a set of unassuming earphones containing infrared sensors. This lets the earpiece sense tiny movements inside the ear caused by facial expressions and transmit the readings to an attached micro-computer that then translates them into commands for a music device.

In fact, this gadget isn't limited to just audio pleasure as it can be programmed to control other electronic devices. Hence, sticking out your tongue, winking, or almost any facial expression can be mapped to any particular function.

The first devices are expected to appear in two to three years. But you better start reconsidering that insurance coverage if you plan to use the Mimi Switch in a seedy neighborhood. Unless, of course, you look as cute as the model in the picture.

(Source: Crave Asia via Physorg)

[tonusmkt]

funny

[checodaman]

She has a weird split tongue...its hot.

[ruairionline]

I wonder how many people are going to sue these guys for developing facial ticks?

[bigsotong]

Jesus! technology is making us humans lazier and lazier, fatter and fatter! Why do we need facial expressions to control electronic gadgets? There's these things called hands, legs and brains!

[BombSniffingDog]

Yeah, the most amazing thing about this article is that strange split tongue!

[fcz1]

I can see it now... getting in trouble with my wife while driving down the street because my iPod will skip a song every time I check out another woman.

No thanks.

[lickmoreshoes]

Fart to turn your iphone on...burp to turn it off.